Saturday, December 17, 2011

information seeking

What does it mean for you to have a librarian in your life? Well, it means that if there's something I find that I think you might like to read or be able to use, I will send it to you. You'll have a human "aggregator" who will see things that  might be of use, most probably will be of use, and these will be directed at you personally. So far, this hasn't caused any problem. In fact, some folks like it. I can find things that even academic librarians, who are supposedly better at this than I (or at least that is what human resources people in universities so far have indicated) cannot. I love to be able to link people with the information that they need. It is great to be able to help out, or give people information that will change their life, even if it's to solve a problem. It's not often that I cannot find something. And I will work on it like a Border Collie works sheep. I can't help it. It's like an instinct-- I can't deny it. If you need information, I am willing and able to hook you up. I am so glad I studied this area, because my studies have only made me a better teacher, friend, person, employee. I love to help you help others. It's a kick to see what you make of the information we find. I am excited to research and explore and can hardly help myself. I wanted to share this, because sometimes, after a million rejection letters, it feels good to admit I'm good at what I do. I may not be the world's greatest resume writer, or even interviewee. But I can find stuff. I find it quickly and with as much interest as if it were my own search. That's value-added. Thanks for letting me share in your quest.

1 comment:

Knowledge is Power said...

You mentioned "... like a border collie works sheep." That's an excellent simile. It reminded me of growing up on a ranch in the Texas Hill Country between Bandera and Medina. We always had border collies, and they were always herding things. Their instinct to herd is second to none. Our border collies herded every other kind of animal that roamed our place. I saw our border collie herd goats, cattle, chickens, ducks, peacocks, and every kind of livestock we ever had, and sometimes small children who didn't even know they were being herded.